A P-38 Lightning (CL-K) of the 338th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group fitted with a "droop snoot" for bombing missions.

Photo caption - "P-38 Lightning Photo Plane Showing K-22 Aerial Camera" This is actually a P-38 'Droop Snoot*' serial # 44-23482, no cameras are fitted to this configuration and the A/C leads a formation of P-38 fighter bombers to the target where the bombardier signals bomb release to the formation. The "Camera" visible is actually a Norden bomb sight for the bombardier. * The 'Droop Snoot' field conversion entailed the removal of the nose armament and associated equipment to make room for a prone bombardiers/observers position with the installation of a plexiglass nose, a Norden bombsight, side windows and an emergency hatch. The theory was for a formation of P-38's to drop their bombs on the formation lead 'Droop snoots' signal with the precision of the Norden bombsight ensuring the accuracy of the formations bombing. An idea championed by Lt Col Cass Hough and Lt Col Dan Ostrander.

"Droop Snoot" is what the boys call this P-38 which has given up its armament for a plexiglass nose, Norden bombsight, and bombardier. P-38 bombardiers are recruited from heavy bomb groups. NARA Ref 342-FH-3A23344-56268AC

DROOP SNOOT-Ground crewman at a base in Belgium prepare to "bomb-up" a "droop snoot" P-38 Lightning fighter-bomber for another attack against enemy fortifications and strong points. This model of the P-38 is known as the "droop snoot" because of the glass enclosed nose. The plane carries a bombardier in addition to the pilot. NARA Ref 342-FH-3A05164-56914AC.

Head on shot of - 'General view of Lockheed P-38 photo plane with gun sight aiming point camera mounted on bomb racks, and K-22 aerial camera in nose. ITALY'. Actually this a "Droop Snoot". a P-38 which has given up its nose armament for a plexiglass nose, Norden bombsight, and bombardier. P-38 bombardiers are recruited from heavy bomb groups. NARA Ref 342-FH-3A22940-56134AC.

P-38H 42-67086 'Droop Snoot*' Prototype in front of Hangar No.5 at Langford Lodge. A Douglas A-20 aircraft is in the background. Fitted with a wooden mockup nose and test flown in this configuration. The wooden nose was later used as a mould for the Plexiglass nose for the 2nd prototype.. * The 'Droop Snoot' field conversion entailed the removal of the nose armament and associated equipment to make room for a prone bombardiers position with the installation of a plexiglass nose, a Norden bombsight, side windows and an emergency hatch. The theory was for a formation of P-38's to drop their bombs on the formation lead 'Droop snoots' signal with the precision of the Norden bombsight ensuring the accuracy of the formations bombing. An idea championed by Lt Col Cass Hough and Lt Col Dan Ostrander.

"Droop Snoot" is what the boys call this P-38 which has given up its armament for a plexiglass nose, Norden bombsight, and bombardier. P-38 bombardiers are recruited from heavy bomb groups.

P38J-15-LO 44-23194 7F-Q Bomba Dear. 401st FS, 370th FG, Ninth Air Force. Seen at strip X-29, Asche, Belgium on March 25,1945. (pilot Lt William L Swisher).

Lockheed P-38J Lightning 'Droop Snoot*' 44-23151 'Colorado Belle' 401st FS, 370th FG, 9AF USAAF. * The 'Droop Snoot' field conversion entailed the removal of the nose armament and associated equipment to make room for a prone bombardiers position with the installation of a plexiglass nose, a Norden bombsight, side windows and an emergency hatch. The theory was for a formation of P-38's to drop their bombs on the formation lead 'Droop snoots' signal with the precision of the Norden bombsight ensuring the accuracy of the formations bombing. An idea championed by Lt Col Cass Hough and Lt Col Dan Ostrander.

Ground crew crouched in front of unidentified 'Droop Snoot' P-38J Lightning. Invasion stripes below wing indicate service in ETO late 44, early 45.